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Board hears federal grants overview for 2026-27; allocations still pending VDOE notice
Summary
Dr. Austin presented Title I-V program goals and uses and told the board the division is basing budgets on prior-year allocations because the Virginia Department of Education has not yet released 2026-27 allocations; board members asked about ADM impacts and planned retention bonuses.
At the June 4 meeting the Franklin City School Board heard an overview of federal programs for 2026-27 from Dr. Austin, who said the division is preparing budgets based on last year's allocations because the Virginia Department of Education had not yet released official 2026-27 figures.
Dr. Austin summarized each program group:
- Title I: Programs focus on reading, math, science and social studies proficiency, extended-learning (afterschool, summer school), family engagement, McKinney-Vento supports for students experiencing homelessness and benchmarks and monitoring tools. The division uses Title I to fund partial positions (reading/math specialists, engagement staff) and to support summer and afterschool programming.
- Title II: Funds support effective instruction, licensure and training (I-Teach and university partnerships), mentor stipends, teacher observations and partial salary support for grants compliance and federal-programs coordination.
- Title III: Small allocation for English learners; goals include growth on access/WIDA assessments and increased family engagement and teacher implementation of EL strategies.
- Title IV: Student-support and academic-enrichment activities (well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and technology) including partial funding for an accreditation specialist and student-support monitoring roles and professional development for classroom technology.
- Title V (Rural and Low-Income Schools Program): Flexible funds used for student plans, graduation coaching and gifted services; Dr. Austin noted Title V allocations can fluctuate and are more vulnerable to federal changes.
Board members asked whether declining enrollment (ADM) would reduce grant allocations. Dr. Austin said federal allocations are calculated at the state level and, in practice, the division has generally not experienced large year-to-year grant cuts tied to ADM; the division will amend budgets when the state issues final allocations. Members also asked about retention bonuses; Dr. Carter said retention-bonus notices will be sent by June 30 and bonuses are contingent on staff signing contracts by the June 5 deadline.
Why it matters: Federal grants fund staffing and programs for students at risk, instructional supports and technology; uncertainties in final allocations and enrollment can affect program budgets and staffing plans.
Next steps: Final allocations from the Virginia Department of Education must be received to complete the 2026-27 budgets; the division will amend grant budgets if and when allocations are finalized.
